My motto: Life is an adventure - take detours

American History comes to life when you come to Charlottesville, Virginia. Most visitors start at Monticello (Thomas Jefferson's home) and Ash-Lawn Highland (home of James Monroe). A tour of Monticello allows you to see many of Jefferson's inventions and gives you a look into his daily life. On the breathtaking grounds you can see the gardens planted and harvested the same way they were in Jefferson's day. A short walk down to the newly opened visitor's center takes you by the Jefferson family graveyard where Jefferson descendants are still buried. Just around the corner from Monticello, Ashlawn-Highland offers a great contrast to Monticello. A visit to the two houses will easily take an entire morning. Hungry visitors often make their way to Michie Tavern only minutes away from Monitcello. At over 200 years old, Michie Tavern offers a set lunch meal typical of the late 1800's. Also operating as a museum,, the grounds and old grist mill gift shop are a great way to finish up the morning. After lunch if you want a break from history, there are many great vineyards including Thomas Jefferson's own vineyard to visit. If you are up for more history, the University of Virgina, which was founded by Thomas Jefferson and the Historic Court Square are located minutes down the road. For presidential buffs, Montpelier ( James Madison's home) is located an hour from Charlottesville. The house has recently been brought back to the original state and though not yet furnished allows you to see the influence of Thomas Jefferson in the actual building. Here as well, the grounds offer beautiful vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. For those with a bit more time, historic Staunton is just over the mountain. Woodrow Wilson's Presidential Library, buildings with great examples of Tiffany Stained Glass, historic civil war era buildings and the Frontier Culture museum are just a few examples of the sites that will make up a great day trip. Surrounding the Charlottesville area is the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. For nature buffs, the Skyline Drive is a National Scenic Byway and easily accessible from many points in the area. There are hiking trails and many opportunities to stop and enjoy the surroundings.